It isn't really to do with nationalised healthcare. I could ask to be referred to a consultant dermatologist, and would likely only have to wait a week or so to do that. But it would mean hauling ass over to another town, because the dermatologist here left a couple of years ago and they've had difficulty filling that post. Bear in mind my area is basically semi-rural but with a few scattered population centres that resemble inner city.

The GP who specialises in skin conditions just happens to be a GP at my clinic. Back when they were just starting to use a specialism system in the clinic to tackle specific health issues, she was my general GP, but her daughter suffers from very bad eczema and so she's made that her main focus. She was the one who first got me sorted out, after the consultant dermatologist hadn't managed to do so, a few years ago.

I don't see her now unless I specifically ask. But I haven't specifically asked until a few months ago. Then I was unable to make the appointment, which meant I had to make another, but since she was away that meant a two week wait. Then when she got back a relative died and that took her out o fthe picture for a little while.

I particularly wanted to see this doctor, because I trust her.

This practice is scheduling about 3 weeks out for a routine eye exam.

Thanks for clarifying, Dana.

Ok, now that I know, do I need to pull out the Dad card and tell you that taking care of yourself does not include dilly-dallying a year and a half with a course of treatment that is obviously not working?

Bold mine

What about an emergency situation like UT's?

*shuffles*


...maybe.

Right away, like come right over.

Doesn't that make the point moot?

I bet that's for existing patients, though. You couldn't walk in as a new patient with a severe eye problem.

No. I don't think Dana's problem was an emergency.

This practice will do it. We're the only practice around that has hours on Friday afternoons, so we often make accomodations.

Precisely Spexx. It wasn't an emergency. It was a me allowing a situation to get settled in, and GPs who don't come across this much not recognising the symptoms.

I was referring to this point. ^